Primary Session
Luke 4:1-13

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God,
during this season of Lent, fill our hearts with love.
Help us to follow Jesus in all we say and do.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
On this First Sunday of Lent we begin a time of preparation for Easter. During Lent we reflect on how we are living the gospel message by loving God and others. Begin today’s session by brainstorming with the children how they can show their love for God and others during the season of Lent.

Write down their suggestions and include some that they may not have considered such as: not fighting with a brother or sister, saying prayers, helping around the house, watching less TV, etc. Invite the children to pick one or two things that they can realistically do during Lent.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for forty days to fast, reflect and pray. During the season of Lent we make an extra effort to follow Jesus.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading today the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness for forty days. Listen to find out what happens.

Read Luke 4:1-13.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What happens to Jesus in the wilderness?
• How long is Jesus there?
• How does the devil try to tempt Jesus?
• How does Jesus stand up against temptation?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.

In the today’s gospel Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for forty days. While he is there, Jesus is tempted by the devil. Jesus stands up against temptation and he resists the devil. Jesus shows all his followers how to deal with temptation.

This gospel also has a connection to Jewish history. The forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness is similar to what the Israelites experienced when they wandered in the desert for forty years after God delivered them from Egypt. However, the Chosen People did not resist temptation like Jesus did. Jesus experienced the very same temptations as the Israelites, but he remained faithful to God. In today’s gospel Jesus remains strong and does not let anything come between him and God.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What stands in the way of you caring for others?
• What helps you to follow Jesus?
• Who are the people who help you to follow Jesus?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Divine Election
It is our Catholic understanding that when it comes to being God’s Chosen People, it is God who does the choosing. The choosing comes about because God is totally faithful and generous in love.

The Old Testament reveals that the people of Israel are chosen to be God’s elect. But, God does not abandon the Chosen People even when they turn away from God. The purpose of this divine election is to reveal the power and glory of God to the world.

The New Testament tells us that Jesus is God’s elect or Chosen One. Jesus shows us the right response to God’s call. We believe that through Jesus, all God’s children are chosen by God. Every child is God’s work of art.

• How do you see yourself as God’s work of art?
• What does it mean to be part of God’s family?
• How do you give thanks to God?

The Gospel in Life
Remember to practice the two things that you chose to do during the season of Lent in the opening activity.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 26
Kindergarten, page 165
Grade 1, page 251 parish and page 359 school, and chapter 15
Grade 2, page 251 parish and page 359 school, and chapter 18
Grade 3, page 251 parish and page 359 school, and chapter 18

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 26
Kindergarten, page 165
Grade 1, page 238 and chapter 15
Grade 2, page 290 and chapter 18
Grade 3, page 290 and chapter 18